Geodesic
(Ge`o*des"ic) Geodesical
(Ge`o*des"ic*al) a. [Cf. F. géodésique.] (Math.) Of or pertaining to
geodesy; geodetic.
Geodesic
(Ge`o*des"ic), n. A geodetic line or curve.
Geodesist
(Ge*od"e*sist) n. One versed in geodesy.
Geodesy
(Ge*od"e*sy) n. [Gr. ge`a, gh^, the earth + to divide: cf. F. géodésie.] (Math.) That branch
of applied mathematics which determines, by means of observations and measurements, the figures
and areas of large portions of the earth's surface, or the general figure and dimenshions of the earth; or
that branch of surveying in which the curvature of the earth is taken into account, as in the surveys of
States, or of long lines of coast.
Geodetic
(Ge`o*det"ic Ge`o*det"ic*al) a. Of or pertaining to geodesy; obtained or determined by the
operations of geodesy; engaged in geodesy; geodesic; as, geodetic surveying; geodetic observers.
Geodetic line or curve, the shortest line that can be drawn between two points on the elipsoidal surface
of the earth; a curve drawn on any given surface so that the osculating plane of the curve at every point
shall contain the normal to the surface; the minimum line that can be drawn on any surface between any
two points.
Geodetically
(Ge`o*det"ic*al*ly), adv. In a geodetic manner; according to geodesy.
Geodetics
(Ge`o*det"ics) n. Same as Geodesy.
Geodiferous
(Ge`o*dif"er*ous) a. [Geode + -ferous.] (Min.) Producing geodes; containing geodes.
Geoduck
(Ge"o*duck) n. [American Indian name.] (Zoöl.) A gigantic clam (Glycimeris generosa) of the
Pacific coast of North America, highly valued as an article of food.
Geognosis
(Ge`og*no"sis) n. [See Geognosy.] Knowledge of the earth. [R.] G. Eliot.
